MIDWEST MERCHANDISING SERVICES

WELCOME & TRAINING RESOURCES

Welcome to Midwest Merchandising Services (MWMS). Since 1986, MWMS has done one thing with one focus: we are a service management organization established to serve the needs of sales managers and suppliers, addressing their service requirements at retail level. We continue to “do one thing and do it well.” We are now a national/international organization, providing merchandising and marketing plans to all facets of retail. Our future now holds the secret to your success!

Midwest Merchandising Services (MWMS) has created systems and set concepts in place to ensure the best interests of our clients are met. We have documented success stories by way of careful recruiting practices, training and development. We provide a top-notch team of service and marketing representatives strategically placed of optimum coverage across America.

We will do our best to ensure your success as a merchandiser for Midwest Merchandising Services. But you must do your part! Timely, accurate, and professional work is expected at all times. When you have questions, contact us. We’re here to assist you.

Again, welcome to Midwest Merchandising Services. You are an important member of our team, and we look forward to working with you.

Midwest Merchandising Services

1-888-349-4085



Top Ten Goals and Objectives as an MWMS Merchandiser

1. Bring all necessary paperwork (this will include a call report form, order form, and may include a planogram, urgent concern form and service guidelines) with you to each service call so you have a reference if any questions arise.
2. All projects must be completed as scheduled by MWMS. If, for some reason, you cannot fulfill your obligation to see each account, you MUST contact your field manager immediately.
3. You are not to exceed time limits without prior approval from your field manager.
4. Complete each job thoroughly and accurately. We must be able to read your handwriting in order to enter the data correctly. The timely processing of your paycheck is dependent on this.
5. Optimize the amount of client product(s) displayed by restocking or stocking displays/fixtures.
6. Obtain the best display position, fill, straighten and dust. Pull all products forward so fixture looks full.
7. Develop a rapport with the store manager or assistant manager to ensure their cooperation during your visit.
8. Placing an order, when required, is of utmost importance. If the account is managed correctly, this should not be difficult to accomplish.
9. Getting in and out of each store in a timely fashion is important. Stay focused and get the job done and move on. If you cannot complete the job within the time limit, leave the store with instructions to complete what you’ve started.
10. Always fax your completed paperwork within 24 hours of servicing each account. It may be an option to fax your paperwork directly from the store at the end of your visit. If not, please fax your paperwork within 24 hours to ensure prompt delivery to our office.
    
    
    Standard Procedures for a Merchandiser Account Service Call

1. Appropriate attire must be worn when performing your merchandising duties. Business casual preferred.
2. Sign in, using the store’s Vendor Log Book. If the store does not have a Vendor Log Book, ask them to stamp our paperwork with a store stamp.
3. Follow store specific rules and regulations.
4. Identify the person in charge and introduce yourself.
5. Walk the department and assess the situation. Check the status of each display you plan to service. Ask yourself all of the appropriate questions and then determine an action plan. Follow your planogram and fill in product.
6. When the display has been serviced, complete your paperwork. Placing an order, when required, is important. This is the time to check out with the department or store manager and confirm the order you intend to submit. They must sign off on all paperwork.
7. Getting the appropriate signatures from a store representative is required. We must be able to read the signature. If you feel we cannot read it, print the name next to the signature before you fax it to us. We MUST be able to read all handwriting. Write legibly with a dark, gel type pen to ensure the faxed copy is easy to read.

Follow store sign out procedures by letting someone in authority know you have completed your call.

Techniques to Produce a Positive Outcome

The way you present yourself as a merchandiser will determine your success in overcoming obstacles.

• Present ideas with conviction.
• Show enthusiasm for the work you will be doing.
• Resolve any objections in a professional manner.
• Remain calm and businesslike at all times.
• Keep a positive attitude, regardless of the situation.

Important: The following list of “No-No’s” must be adhered to at all times:

Terminology Used in the Industry:

• Planogram (POG) – a picture of the display set to standard
• Reset – a complete setup or redo of a new or existing fixture
• Call report –template found on MMS website used to complete each service call
• Urgent Concern – form used to document a priority problem or situation
• Vendor Log – store uses a vendor log to document and verify visitors; you must sign in upon entering the store
• RA form – Return Authorization request form used to return product for credit
• Time sheet – template found on MMS website; must be turned in by 23rd of each month
• EDI – Electronic digital input (ordering process)
• DSD – Direct Sales Distribution used in CVS and Walgreen’s (requires a manual order)
• POS – Point of Sale (the store’s system counts the product at time of sale and automatically orders replacement product)
• DM – District or Department Manager

Download Midwest Merchandiser Support Information

CLICK HERE Biopage.pdf
CLICK HERE Application for 1099 Independent Representative.pdf
CLICK HERE New Hire Packet.pdf
CLICK HERE Approved Expense Sheet.pdf
CLICK HERE Timesheet.pdf
CLICK HERE Voluntary Information Release Form.pdf
CLICK HERE Calling Cards.pdf

Pay Structure

All docs/time sheets/all reports etc… must be in our office no later than 8:00 am on the 27th of the month in order for accounting to process your pay by the 25th of the next month.

Payment schedule is as follows:

We will make every effort to process and pay payroll DEC in time for holiday needs. this also gives our office a chance to close out our year.  Thank you!!!

Frequently Asked Questions:

When I receive my monthly work schedule, what should I do?

Immediately respond to the e-mail by accepting the work assigned to you. If we do not hear from you within 24 hours, we will assume you are not planning to accept the work.

What if I don’t want to accept the schedule?
It’s very helpful to us if you will let us know, ASAP, if you do not plan to accept the work.

What if I want more work?

We always give our existing merchandisers a chance at additional work before we seek to hire someone else. When additional work is available, we will send it to you first and you will have a short window of time to accept or decline the additional work.

How will I be paid?

When you complete each assignment, fax in the paperwork to 1-888-349-4086. The paperwork refers to an accurate completed call report, with legible signatures, an order form with authorized signature and any other paperwork you wish to send. At the end of the work cycle, you should immediately complete and submit a time sheet that will match the work you’ve submitted.

What should I do if I don’t receive my paycheck?
Any concern regarding payroll must be in writing and sent via e-mail to accounting@midwestmerch.com.

Will I receive a 1099 or a W-2 form at the end of the year?

Since you are a part-time independent contractor, you will not receive a W-2 form. However, if you are paid more than $600 in one calendar year, you will receive a 1099 form for tax purposes.

What is the phone number and fax number for Midwest Merchandising Services?

Our main phone number is 888-349-4085. The fax line is 888-349-4086.